Peaks and troughs

For most of those of us writing about football, the euphoria of being named on an AFL list, even as a rookie, can only be guessed at. To succeed to the extent of playing at the highest level is the stuff of dreams.

 

Two stories in the media this week piqued our interest. One reported Mick Malthouse’s thoughts on Ben Cousins’ rumoured regression, and the other dealt with efforts to avoid such scenarios in the future.

 

Let’s look at the positive story first. As we’ve already noted, getting onto an AFL list and, potentially, playing at that level is something all footy fans dream of and so few achieve. For those who do get onto a list, the hard work is only just starting. But this bright fluffy cloud obscures a dark and stormy centre.

 

The AFL Players’ Association and the AFL are certainly doing their bit to improve the chances of the youngsters coming into the game. For years now, draftees have been forced to endure sessions designed to alert them to the demands that will be made of them by their clubs, their clubs’ supporters and the football industry generally. But now this preparation strategy is being taken to a new level with similar sessions for players in the footy ‘mid-life’ and for those facing retirement — there are, after all, only a limited number of gigs in the footy media and most of them aren’t anything close to full-time.

 

Stories like this are almost de rigeur for this time of year, but welcome nevertheless. No program to educate players will ever be 100% successful and there will be some players who, despite on-field success, run off the rails. And that, of course, brings us to Ben Cousins.

 

If, as is rumoured, Cousins has regressed and has returned to drugs, it is sad for him. Having been addicted to nicotine for twenty odd years, we understand some of the forces involved. It certainly took us a number of attempts and a certain set of circumstances to kick the habit. For eleven years we dreamed about having a cigarette. Eventually we succumbed and we were smoking again at the same pace within a few weeks. It was a further two years before we decided we didn’t like the taste of smoking and kicked it — for good this time. We were fortunate to have a quite normal life with no notoriety, an average wage, a responsible full-time job, a family and children who depended on us. Quite a lot different to Cousins.

 

Anyone who hasn’t been addicted to a substance has no idea. Those who don’t realise they’re addicted have even less idea.

 

We hope that Ben can find a way to get his life together and keep his mind in a good space. It’s not a battle that can be won in a couple of years.

 

Mick Malthouse’s comments on the world of young AFL footballers today not only provide a context for Cousins’ situation, but also show how important the programs the AFLPA and AFL are putting in place are. The tabloid journalists might not agree, but wouldn’t it be nice if we never had another “Fevola”, or another “Cousins”? And wouldn’t it be magnificent for those young men who might otherwise have self-destructed to live fulfilling and creditable lives and have the respect of the community.

 

Best wishes, Ben.